Sapphic Soirée artwork with photo of Lili Del Fflur by Tallulah Tog

There aren’t many shows where you smile all the way through, but that’s often the effect a Cabaret show has on me, so I was del-ighed to see Del Fflur Productions Sapphic Soirée. A sexy, silly and serious programme that had the audience whooping from the get go and on their feet dancing at the end.

The Sapphic Soirée was Del Fflur productions first time presenting as a solo venture on the CABARET stage at the Wales Millennium Centre, though burlesque fans in South Wales will know the name Lili Del Fflur well – as she’s been on the scene performing for a decade, and has been producing shows since 2023.

This show featured performers from across the Sapphic community in South Wales (women and non-binary folk who are attracted to women) and the cast’s talents were beautifully diverse featuring burlesque, song, live music and poetry.

If you’ve not been to a Cabaret show at the Wales Millennium Centre before, they are good fun – the venue is laid back, accessible and the seats are comfortable. You can drink and snack throughout and there’s something different a few times a week. Typically for Burlesque shows like this one, each act is broken up by some chat and comedy from a host. I often describe it as ‘tiktok’ for live audiences – if you don’t vibe with one act, there’s another one a few minutes later to wow you in a different way. It’s a great place to leave your worries at the door and have a good positive yell and cheer.

The cast of Sapphic Soirée, photo by audience member

For this event the host was Lili Del Fflur herself, who introduced each act with warmth and pride – this local grass-roots cast was hand-curated by Lili and it was clear she was proud to platform each one. That sense of warmth was immediately shared by the audience as Lili opened by ensuring everyone felt welcomed – noting with a winning smile that we would share in ‘Community, Creativity and the joy of seeing ourselves reflected on stage’.

Between the acts Lili would come back onto stage to introduce the next one, telling us about each performer and interacting with the crowd. At one point she hosted a glove-peel competition for two audience members who, though strangers, made friends immediately. That camaraderie was felt across the room throughout the night. Later Del Fflur briefly teared up as she implored the enthusiastic audience to use their votes wisely for our loved ones at the Senydd election next week – a sentiment met with cheers and applause – this was an audience that reflected the community they were a part of. 

The acts were well curated, balancing artforms and platforming new performers alongside professionals – both showcasing and growing the Cabaret scene.

The show opened with the non-binary finery Lana Del Red, known in Cardiff for their sexy routines and incredibly high heels – Lana didn’t disappoint with a red and pink themed number full of intense eye-contact, snake-like undulations and tiny undergarments. This routine cast a spell on the audience and was a great opener. For the rest of the night Lana also acted as stage manager for the show, setting up props and cleaning the stage after acts and keeping an eye on the performers needs – a hard worker indeed.

Next up was singer Little Lau who quickly had the audience singing along to some songs by WLW icons. Lau is a wonderful performer who accompanies herself on guitar. In the second half Laur returned to perform a passionate and personal poem about growing up as a Lesbian in the 90’s and the strength she found from her trans sisters – who we need to support now more than ever. This is a moment that the audience won’t forget and was met with a standing ovation.

Little Lau photo by Evita Pics

Across the evening we were treated to two performances by proudly plus sized performer The Dumb Belle who ‘never knowingly takes herself seriously’. Her ‘Heated Rivalry’ inspired hockey act was wacky and creative – ending with impressive rainbow hockey pads which I wanted to take home. In the second half she proved that any body can be a beach body with a fun summery routine complete with giant inflatable beach ball and audience participation. The Dumb Belle is a fun, flexible and expressive performer with a confidence and stage presence that easily guides story.

It’s hard to believe that singer Rosy Derrière made her stage debut last night – treating us to retro rockabilly versions of modern songs which were charming and fun. Dressed in impeccable pin-up attire, Rosy was accompanied by four adorable backing dancers (‘the Dels’ – a local troupe of dancers taught by Lili Del Fflur) as she crooned though ‘I Kissed A Girl’ as the audience bopped along. Only after she exited the stage did Lili tell us that it was Rosy’s first time singing on stage – a testament to the grass-roots platforming of new performers, and tutoring by Del Fflur.

Rosy returned later, joined by Lili herself dancing in a cheeky backless skirt as Derrière sang ‘All About That Bass’  – a glamorous and slick feeling act where the two worked beautifully together. A brilliant first outing for Rosy Derrière who I’m sure we’ll see more of soon.

Goldie Luxe photo by Evita Pics

Next, blonde bombshell Goldie Luxe treated us to a sexy and classical feeling red showgirl version of ‘I wanna make love to you’ in which she dances, strips and plays live saxophone. Not one to rest on a single talent, Goldie’s second act of the night was a stunningly expensive looking Cinderella act which includes live song, acting and real whip cracking. Goldie’s acts are always impeccably choreographed, smooth and tongue-in-cheek – encompassing the multi-talented glamour and ‘gimmick’ that makes burlesque so special.

Lili Del Fflur herself performed twice throughout the show – once with singer Ruby Derrière as mentioned above, radiant in purple and once with a high-energy driving and dynamic number to ‘What’s Wrong With  Being Confident?’ dressed in black and white striped prisoner costume. Lili’s professionalism and dance skills shine throughout – always alluring, expressive and light on her feet, you can tell Lili loves performing and it’s a joy to watch.

Lili Del Fflur hosting photo by Evita Pics

The show finished with Lili’s troupe ‘The Del’s’ who she trains in the South Wales Valleys. In ethereal white costumes and waving silk fans the Dels dance triumphantly to the song ‘Freedom’ – bringing the night to a close on a positive and uplifting note that was echoed by the warmth of the audience.
This was the sort of event where the performers and those watching them have a genuine exchange of energy that carries out into the night.

Whilst I often visit CABARET (WMC) to experience high-end performers from outside Cardiff alongside Welsh acts, it was nice to see an evening of local talent supported by professional sound and lighting so rarely available in other spaces across the city.

Cabaret and Burlesque is a growing genre in South Wales, and I highly recommend anyone try it – there are a handful of grassroots shows and professional companies in Cardiff and South Wales.

To see more of Del Fflur Productions visit here

Or to see other Cabaret shows by other producers at the Wales Millennium Centre visit here

Or to see all Cabaret and Burlesque shows are in the area visit here